Just looking at this blog brings back so many memories. I knew when I married Seko that he would introduce me to things. This trip for our 10th anniversary and the start of Sean and Carol's new marriage was quite an adventure. Since then we've travelled to Puerto Rico and New Orleans for subsequent anniversaries. I can only image where life will take us next as we traverse this marriage and the world together. Still in love and not so broke in Virginia.
Rhonda
Saturday, December 5, 2009
Monday, September 24, 2007
A toast to Britain.
From Seko:
We were able to learn about Britain from Carol. She grew up in England and refers to herself as British. She also holds very special her Nigerian heritage, although she seems to be like many Nigerians born and raised in Britain (sometimes it's hard to determine where African customs can be expressed without seeming contrary to the culture of Britain). We have that same issue in the U.S. and I have witnessed a similar phenomenon while studying in Panama and the Bahamas. When the former oppressors culture is really beautiful, and remains to be the cultural scope that we judge things by, a more removed culture may seem unbecoming. Remember when there was a big fuss by so-called Educated Blacks on Ebonics? These folk' were downing our Soul-English and uplifting Standard "The King's" English. Then the educated Blacks would use their Soul-English when "The Man" wasn't around as a way to identify with others who weren't where they were. I firmly believe that we should embrace or Soul-English (another term I coined) and simply
teach our youth when to use a particular form. Heck, our Soul-English terms "Jiggy" and "Bling-Bling" have made it into Webster's Dictionary in addition to others. We seem to value Euro-based creativity and devalue Soul-based creativity......... Yet, that's another post...
Back to our beloved bride. Her choice of a Church of England church (gorgeous edifice) gave us insight on a very English approach to Christianity. Her choice of a school for Girls for the reception (photo above) gave us a view of the British way of educating. As the Wifey and I walked around sight-seeing we saw many well
dressed students. The boys wore blazers, the young ladies wore skirts. The entire educational look was very formal. I found out that many private schools have this look, as well as some of the public schools.... after all this is England. The formalities that I learned in Catholic school as a youth were a way of life here in England. I used to make fun of British accents and now my ear is bending towards becoming a Brit-ear. My attraction to older buildings and royal presentations was developed in the states, and now I can see where the U.S. received many of our styles and protocols from. England is pretty cool. Our Brit-Bride has become a member of my family and also has allowed me to appreciate the British influences upon American society. Hats off to the British. Hats off to Benny Hill !!!!! Hats off to "Keeping Up Appearances !" Carol's Britain is a place of formalities, a place of royalty, a place where customs are revered, a place where the antique is 
maintained and improved. Blessings upon Britain.
We were able to learn about Britain from Carol. She grew up in England and refers to herself as British. She also holds very special her Nigerian heritage, although she seems to be like many Nigerians born and raised in Britain (sometimes it's hard to determine where African customs can be expressed without seeming contrary to the culture of Britain). We have that same issue in the U.S. and I have witnessed a similar phenomenon while studying in Panama and the Bahamas. When the former oppressors culture is really beautiful, and remains to be the cultural scope that we judge things by, a more removed culture may seem unbecoming. Remember when there was a big fuss by so-called Educated Blacks on Ebonics? These folk' were downing our Soul-English and uplifting Standard "The King's" English. Then the educated Blacks would use their Soul-English when "The Man" wasn't around as a way to identify with others who weren't where they were. I firmly believe that we should embrace or Soul-English (another term I coined) and simply
teach our youth when to use a particular form. Heck, our Soul-English terms "Jiggy" and "Bling-Bling" have made it into Webster's Dictionary in addition to others. We seem to value Euro-based creativity and devalue Soul-based creativity......... Yet, that's another post...Back to our beloved bride. Her choice of a Church of England church (gorgeous edifice) gave us insight on a very English approach to Christianity. Her choice of a school for Girls for the reception (photo above) gave us a view of the British way of educating. As the Wifey and I walked around sight-seeing we saw many well
dressed students. The boys wore blazers, the young ladies wore skirts. The entire educational look was very formal. I found out that many private schools have this look, as well as some of the public schools.... after all this is England. The formalities that I learned in Catholic school as a youth were a way of life here in England. I used to make fun of British accents and now my ear is bending towards becoming a Brit-ear. My attraction to older buildings and royal presentations was developed in the states, and now I can see where the U.S. received many of our styles and protocols from. England is pretty cool. Our Brit-Bride has become a member of my family and also has allowed me to appreciate the British influences upon American society. Hats off to the British. Hats off to Benny Hill !!!!! Hats off to "Keeping Up Appearances !" Carol's Britain is a place of formalities, a place of royalty, a place where customs are revered, a place where the antique is 
maintained and improved. Blessings upon Britain.
Sunday, September 23, 2007
Looking High
From Seko:
Sean met and married the woman of his dreams. Upright, passionate, determined, and African. I'm sure it's hard to tell who is from a Nigerian family, and who is from a predominately European culture by the photo. Sean has had a 'thing' for women from the Mother continent for a minute. He looked at me at the reception and said "Man, I got everything I asked God for; She's upright, passionate, determined, and African. God is good Cuz'n, God is good." Sean's nuclear family wasn't able to make it to the wedding. Sean talked about his family frequently 
stating that he was basically was the father-figure for four of his siblings. He shared with me that he felt like a peice of him remained in the states. Our aunt (his Mum) suddenly wasn't able to obtain her passport (she lives in Washington D.C.) and none of his nine siblings were able to attend. Although we were all notified of the event a year ago, London is a bit of a distance from the U.S.......... However, I think this wedding has shown me that it's truly not the distance to your goal, but how one views hills. Sean has always been able to see a hill and say "I'm sure it's worth the climb." Growing up in a large family in the soulful comfort of Urban life, Sean always wanted more. He long ago removed the "hood" from covering his head and allowed the rain to wash his head. Sean took a chance. He moved to another country and wasn't able to work for 6 months as England wouldn't allow him to work legally until after marriage and 6 months of residency. Marrying a Britt isn't easy. Sean left with only a suitcase as his belongings. As we prayed during the ceremony, and at the reception, the small contingency from the U.S. prayed for Sean's family, our family. Sean's far from perfect...yet......he has learned how to look high. May his life be a beacon and a bright-tower to encourage his family, our family, your family......... to look high. Quick, tell ya' partner "look higher".
stating that he was basically was the father-figure for four of his siblings. He shared with me that he felt like a peice of him remained in the states. Our aunt (his Mum) suddenly wasn't able to obtain her passport (she lives in Washington D.C.) and none of his nine siblings were able to attend. Although we were all notified of the event a year ago, London is a bit of a distance from the U.S.......... However, I think this wedding has shown me that it's truly not the distance to your goal, but how one views hills. Sean has always been able to see a hill and say "I'm sure it's worth the climb." Growing up in a large family in the soulful comfort of Urban life, Sean always wanted more. He long ago removed the "hood" from covering his head and allowed the rain to wash his head. Sean took a chance. He moved to another country and wasn't able to work for 6 months as England wouldn't allow him to work legally until after marriage and 6 months of residency. Marrying a Britt isn't easy. Sean left with only a suitcase as his belongings. As we prayed during the ceremony, and at the reception, the small contingency from the U.S. prayed for Sean's family, our family. Sean's far from perfect...yet......he has learned how to look high. May his life be a beacon and a bright-tower to encourage his family, our family, your family......... to look high. Quick, tell ya' partner "look higher".Friday, September 21, 2007
It's alright to cry.
From Seko:Wifey and I arrived in Norfolk @ 7:30. No one was waiting for us at the plane exit. Wifey went to call someone ont he tele' and I was drawn to the baggage claim where I ran into mi ninos holding ballons and signs yelling "DADDY" ! My daughter began singing and dancing while my son hugged me hard and then "Where's mommy?" I told him "She'll be right behind me." While hugging my Mum-in law. Looking back at my son he was very upset and he began holding me on the side. Daughter-girl is still dancing and making up a song about with the words "I missed you Daddy !" with a glowing jovial smile. Mum-in Law and Pops-in law are now asking questions and I tell them "We need to get Rhonda." while Wifey comes up to us and begins hugging the children. Daughter-girl's song is now "Mommy and Daddy are back" and my son is holding his Mum and starting to cry. A moment ago he simply told me "I missed seeing you." while holding up his face towards the heavens, kinda looking through me. Now he's about to break down and it's a lovely sight. While on this trip I thought of my ninos frequently and wished that they could experience what we were experiencing. I wish they could have seen how beautiful the new cousin Carol looked at both wedding ceremonies (Cultural and Legal). I wished they could have been there to see cousin Sean's endless smile. He's gotten the woman he wanted. I wish they could have danced with me at the reception. I wished they could have laughed with Sister-Joy. I wished they could have been hugged by Nkem. I wished they could have experienced the beauty of old England and felt the gentle, subtle breeze of Mother Afrika's breath on her children. I'm glad to be home. My son has now been holding his Mum for about 8 minutes and finally broke down in a full out sob sharing his happiness and pain. While we were away all reports have said that he didn't share any feelings other than praying for his parents nightly. All of the feelings were revealed now. I'm glad to be back in his presence. I stopped his tears by giving him a peice of luggage to pull to the car. "Come'on Son-Sun" I said. He took the luggage and walked with us to the car slowly becoming his normal jovial self. At the car he said "Dad, It's good to be near you." I felt like breaking down, I did later that night reveling in the joy of my family. Quick tell you partner "It's alright to cry, Seko did."
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
Give Thanks
From Rhonda:Oh what an exhilarating trip. We spent the day in London visiting QVC-UK. Well, I have to say the QVC Difference values continue to play out in this location. We took a site tour and everyone was such fun to meet. I felt right at home.
It's only about an hour and a half before the wake up call to tell us to get moving. This has been and unforgettable experience with new friends made and a lots of love. We thank our London family for their hospitality and look forward to time with them in the future. We
thank our US family for putting up with this blog with our rantings, ravings and pictures. We are grateful to Almighty God for the blessing of this union for 10 years. We have been through the rough patches by enjoying lots of smooth ground. I wouldn't trade it for the world. I thank God for blessing me with my husband, his sense of adventure and the love between us. We are truly best friends. Thanks to our parents, sisters and brother for keeping our kids for 8 days and allowing us the luxury of time together. I can't wait to get home just to see my babies. There are no words to explain the love between a parent and a child. I miss them dearly. The only 
tears I have shed on this trip were when I missed their voices and hugs. We thank them for being good and hanging in there. They have never been away from us this long and I don't know if I could it again.We have seen so many people of the world here in London. Many of them have extended such kindness as we read Tube maps or looked for street signs, walked to a wedding or rode the bus. We pray that God will return their kindness when they are in those same positions. Kindness is what keeps this world going.
We pray that God will grant us safe journey home. To see all of you again.
Be Blessed, Stay Blessed, Be a Blessing
Land of the mother tongue, signs of the mother land
"
A black figure was carved on the plinth on the south side of Nelson's Column in Trafalgar Square. The man is unidentified, but may be one of the nine West Indians who were listed on board the Victory at the battle. They include Jonathan Hardy, 25, an ordinary seaman, John Thomas, 23, a Jamaican landsman, or John Francois, 32, an ordinary seaman. George Ryan, 24, also was listed as 'African".
From Seko:
A black figure was carved on the plinth on the south side of Nelson's Column in Trafalgar Square. The man is unidentified, but may be one of the nine West Indians who were listed on board the Victory at the battle. They include Jonathan Hardy, 25, an ordinary seaman, John Thomas, 23, a Jamaican landsman, or John Francois, 32, an ordinary seaman. George Ryan, 24, also was listed as 'African".From Seko:
London is the home of America's mother tonue, english. Yet London holds so many signs of the Motherland. In Trafalgar Square, directly in front of the counsulate for Uganda, Africa is a 
reflief with an image of an African descendant. Britain was the first country to become involved with the enslavement of Africans although Chattel Slavery never occured in London. The Brits just sold enslaved Africans to everyone else. The Brits, when abolishing enslavement initially only made it illegal to transport the enslaved on British vessells. Decades later they stopped enslavement in British teritories. Britain has a long history of single African descendants in London's classical history - Britain also has very vibrant communities of Africans, both Africans proper and African descendants. Thousands of Carib' so-called Blacks, thousands 
of continental Africans, and Black Brits color the landscape of London. Thousands of multi-racial folks add vibrancy to London. And the Mother-continental motif is well embraced here.
reflief with an image of an African descendant. Britain was the first country to become involved with the enslavement of Africans although Chattel Slavery never occured in London. The Brits just sold enslaved Africans to everyone else. The Brits, when abolishing enslavement initially only made it illegal to transport the enslaved on British vessells. Decades later they stopped enslavement in British teritories. Britain has a long history of single African descendants in London's classical history - Britain also has very vibrant communities of Africans, both Africans proper and African descendants. Thousands of Carib' so-called Blacks, thousands 
of continental Africans, and Black Brits color the landscape of London. Thousands of multi-racial folks add vibrancy to London. And the Mother-continental motif is well embraced here.The impressive and historical Harrods of London has an area and an entire stairwell/liftwell is decorated in an Kemetian (Egyptian) motif. I was sure that the renderings would show the time period in Kemet's history when it was overtaken by Assyraians & Europeans which have the "White" looking royalty....................Surprised to say the Harrods which is being Chaired by an Egyptian (his son 
Dodi was killed in the car crash with Princess Diana) has renderings of both the "White Egyptians" and predominately those Kemites who demonstrate Nubian features. A tribute to both Princess Diana & The Egyptian Dodi is on the 1st floor of the store (See photo).
Dodi was killed in the car crash with Princess Diana) has renderings of both the "White Egyptians" and predominately those Kemites who demonstrate Nubian features. A tribute to both Princess Diana & The Egyptian Dodi is on the 1st floor of the store (See photo). Classical African civilization being used to sell Gucci, Prada, and other high end Euro-fashion designers. Gotta' love it. I was knocked out. In addition, the story of Harrods is something of note. I was amazed. I wasn't able to afford anything in Harrods, but the experience inspired me. I'll be able to splurge on my next trip to Harrods, although I won't splurge. 
I just will be in the financial position to splurge.
I just will be in the financial position to splurge.
The Britgerians (My term for British born Blacks of Nigerian heritage such as my new cousin Carol !) are everywere. Ibo and Yourba languages are spoken everywhere. They are some of the most beautiful women (after the Wifey) I have ever seen. I have been surrounded by so many Africans in London I began to wonder if the first became last and we have entered the time where the last will become first. Africans from North Africa and Ethopia were everywhere as well in addition to the Arab descedants who have taken over/moved into/became a part of North Africa and define themselves as North African. There are also many soul-folk from Pakistan, the (so-called) Middle East, and a good contingency of Asian people here.
On our last night in London the Wifey and I stumbled on a club owned by Arthur Baker, an early staple in classic New York Hip-Hop. His DJ was a young white bloke playing some of the most funky music I've ever heard. Upon asking about track that repeated "Afro Riddims"
I find out that this group is a 'Dutch' group from Norway named Afro Soul System........ A group of funky white dudes promoting black culture.... Gotta' love it...... Go buy their album !
I find out that this group is a 'Dutch' group from Norway named Afro Soul System........ A group of funky white dudes promoting black culture.... Gotta' love it...... Go buy their album !There is so much from Africa here that I can't place it all in one post. I know this; those of us who left Africa took her with us. What a beautiful thing. (photo of a Cola Nut presentation during the wedding reception....African culture in London ! O.K...... She's from Africa & He's from America (My other cuz'n Walt) They're both Soul-folk !)
You complete me.
From Seko:We have been a bit reluctant to post this...... We were almost robbed. We came into our (Best Western Phoenix) hotel room Saturday after the wedding and reception and were dead tired. Thursday nite' we were involved in a Nigerian custom that lasted as long as the Egyptian empires. Friday we went to the reception hall and helped set the room up from 4:30 p.m. until 9:30 p.m. without a 'lift' (elevator) and everything for the 250+ people had been left by the caterer downstairs outside of the Harry-Potterish looking school for girls (see photo). The friends and family arrived to help set-up the room at about 6:15 p.m. so I moved a great amount of things myself. We didn't get in on Friday until about 1:00 a.m. Saturday we made the broom, made it late-but-early to the beautiful wedding, danced at the reception, then helped clean and break down the reception hall. We got in at about 2:00 A.M. and didn't go right to sleep.
Sunday morning I awoke to Rhonda screaming "WHO'S IN THIS ROOM ??? AHHHHHH ! THEIR STEALING FROM US ! WHERE'S THE COMPUTER ???" (Which we were using to watch DVD's last night on the hotel room's desk) I jump out the bed bewildered and pulled my senses together. I'm running down the hall towards the 'lift' (elevator) barefoot in my pajamas yelling"CALL THE FRONT DESK ! CALL THE FRONT DESK !" Then my criminal mind kicks in and I think "If I stole something I wouldn't take the elevator." So I rush to the stairwell where I hear running about two floors down. I get to the bottom of the stairs almost falling three times going round the corners and I hear the fire escape door slam open leading to the street. Once I got to look out the door all I could see was a crowded street. Then the receptionist, a polite and pretty Ethiopian with a Brit accent asks me "Did you open the door sir ?" I told her someone stole my laptop. She noted how she had seen two youth walk into the hotel and directly onto the lift who seemed suspicious. She then said "I sent my 'coolie' (slang for a dark skinned East Indian) after them. Then an East Indian guy runs into the area asking"What, what, what - I heard the alarm." He then tells her he couldn't find the boys. I decided to rush upstairs to Wifey realizing that I'm very under-dressed and the Sister said she would call the police. As I get back to the room we find the laptop in the ground near the bathroom and the front door while the cord is still plugged into the wall on the other side of the room stretched as it was pulled tight while our would-be-thief ran out of the room. Rhonda then showed me the key we left in the door last night. When we arrived in our room last night we picked up the towels the cleaners left for us and forgot to take the key out. Rhonda's screams scared the thieves and woke me up. Rhonda only woke up as she heard footsteps and thought I was walking round' the room. (Our three star hotel only had single bed rooms so we are seeping in separate beds) Then she looks over and sees that I'm in the other bed snoring and that's what scared her. What's weird, or blessed, is that I'm the one that hears sounds at night and can tell which one of our kids get out of the bed before they even come into our room at night. The most High has it worked out: when I'm unable, she's able. She completes me. Quick - Tell ya' partner "You complete me."
She backs me up,and cracks me up.
From Seko:
While at Sean & Carol's reception, Carol's sister Joy toasted to Carol saying "She backs me up, and cracks me up." I'd have to say the same about Carol's friend Nkem and sister Joy. Nkem is a lawyer who has been cool with Carol for years. Nkem was our back-up during this trip. When we needed a ride, Nkem was there. When we needed support, Nkem was there. When we needed a laugh, Joy was there. When problems arose Joy was able to make light of the situation (See photo of Joy). It's intresting how the creator places the right people in your life at the right time. I give thanks to Nkem and Joy for being themselves. I give thanks for meeting them.
Lady London cracks me up. Riding the train in Lady London cracked me up. The phrase "Mind The Gap" would have avery different meaning in the States. I fell out laughing everytime the lady on the train would say "Mind The Gap". The Londoners cracked up everytime I stepped into the street looking the wrong way.
In the U.K. the left side is the passenger side. Subsequently the 
flow of traffic on the streets is different from the USA. So for the first four days my slow-learning tail almost became road kill. Wifey amost jerked my arm out of the socket keeping me alive and the Brits ain't caring. Get out of the way Yankee! Whats crazy is that the streets tell you which way to look since Lady London is such a multi-cultural melting pot. I'm also tripping on Brit T.V. which shows full nudity (female & tha' other) and even what I'd consider soft core on a national platform. It's after 11 p.m. and Sharon Osbourne is cussing up a storm and I just watched a show that showed a bloke placing two mouse traps on his life-maker. These folks are cracking me up. I must say............these are classic Brits. The immigrants here are very different than the original Brits. The immigants have backed me up. Quick- tell ya partner to keep watching your back.
flow of traffic on the streets is different from the USA. So for the first four days my slow-learning tail almost became road kill. Wifey amost jerked my arm out of the socket keeping me alive and the Brits ain't caring. Get out of the way Yankee! Whats crazy is that the streets tell you which way to look since Lady London is such a multi-cultural melting pot. I'm also tripping on Brit T.V. which shows full nudity (female & tha' other) and even what I'd consider soft core on a national platform. It's after 11 p.m. and Sharon Osbourne is cussing up a storm and I just watched a show that showed a bloke placing two mouse traps on his life-maker. These folks are cracking me up. I must say............these are classic Brits. The immigrants here are very different than the original Brits. The immigants have backed me up. Quick- tell ya partner to keep watching your back. Tuesday, September 18, 2007
Television Britainia
From the both of us:
British Television ! A bit off-color and believe it or not they have their own 'Jerry Springer-Maury Povich-Sally Jesse Raphael-Ricky Lake' characters. Same format (Who's my baby's daddy?). Stupid is the same all over the world. Here in Brit' the show hosts can at least blast the people just the say you want to. The news seems to me to truly be high-classed gossip and opinionated talk. Seko was a bit shocked that a late nite' expose' show followed a female producer of pornography (yea' he watched the entire show) followed by a show about effective parenting. One may logically follow the other, but it just doesn't feel right. By the by........Our three star hotel room has a Brit' sized t.v. with a 13 inch screen........ Seko's laptop has a larger screen....... They'd go up a star if they just got a tv big enough for you to see from across the room. Oh, that's right the room isn't big enough for a 20 inch. Off to continental breakfast- it only includes 2 continents.
Break fast in Britain
British Television ! A bit off-color and believe it or not they have their own 'Jerry Springer-Maury Povich-Sally Jesse Raphael-Ricky Lake' characters. Same format (Who's my baby's daddy?). Stupid is the same all over the world. Here in Brit' the show hosts can at least blast the people just the say you want to. The news seems to me to truly be high-classed gossip and opinionated talk. Seko was a bit shocked that a late nite' expose' show followed a female producer of pornography (yea' he watched the entire show) followed by a show about effective parenting. One may logically follow the other, but it just doesn't feel right. By the by........Our three star hotel room has a Brit' sized t.v. with a 13 inch screen........ Seko's laptop has a larger screen....... They'd go up a star if they just got a tv big enough for you to see from across the room. Oh, that's right the room isn't big enough for a 20 inch. Off to continental breakfast- it only includes 2 continents.
Break fast in Britain
Food Affects
From Rhonda:
Just read my husband's blog from last night. Now I'm about to be the one cussing and using the N-word. He didn't tell me that someone said we'd work for food. Sh*t, if that was the case I would have told them to skip the food.... We work for MONEY. If we had really charged those jokers for all of the work that we did for this wedding this blog would be called Rolling in Dough in Britain. See, what we did we did for love. Not for food or drink or anything else. We came all the way across the seas to support someone we love and they want to talk crap. It's a good thing that Seko heard them and not me. I'm not sure I would have been able to contain myself.
We actually had a wonderful time with most of them. For our last visit they left us at the train station for more than an hour when we were supposed to be taking pictures with them. It was only about 50 degrees out there. Yeah, those were deplorable "work conditions". We may have to start a revolt after all.
I have to stop this post now and calm down a bit before I continue.
Cheery f-n Oh!
Just read my husband's blog from last night. Now I'm about to be the one cussing and using the N-word. He didn't tell me that someone said we'd work for food. Sh*t, if that was the case I would have told them to skip the food.... We work for MONEY. If we had really charged those jokers for all of the work that we did for this wedding this blog would be called Rolling in Dough in Britain. See, what we did we did for love. Not for food or drink or anything else. We came all the way across the seas to support someone we love and they want to talk crap. It's a good thing that Seko heard them and not me. I'm not sure I would have been able to contain myself.
We actually had a wonderful time with most of them. For our last visit they left us at the train station for more than an hour when we were supposed to be taking pictures with them. It was only about 50 degrees out there. Yeah, those were deplorable "work conditions". We may have to start a revolt after all.
I have to stop this post now and calm down a bit before I continue.
Cheery f-n Oh!
Money is funny (broke ain't no joke)
From Seko:O.K. We were not playing when we called the trip "Broke in Britain." First it cost me $3000 for air & accommodations, then we realize that the US dollar is worth 2.1715% of the English Pound. I.E. I gave 'dude' $80 an he gave me f36.84 without a commission or a fee............hmmm... So as Wifey is forcibly pulling me away from the counter speaking to me in a de-escalating tone of voice, reality is setting in. I'm a bit ready to start the revolution. I worked hard for that $80, and dude is giving me 36 pounds. I felt like I was gettin' a divorce and the trick was taking half. My cheapie McDonald's chicken snack wrap is advertised as being f1.27 pounds (roughly $2.65). Nothing makes sense financially. My money is really funny (slang for "almost nonexistence")now. The Brits don't even shop here ! As soon as someone hears our American accent the first thing they say is "I shop in the U.S. - Great prices!" Looks like everyone goes to Florida, New York, or somewhere 'stateside' to buy clothes for school in September. That was the best Chicken grilled snack wrap I have ever had ! I didn't eat nuthin' the rest of the day. Wifey thinks that I've lost my food appetite..(needed to clarify which 'appetite')........ I keep opening my wallet and waiting for the FREE continental breakfast in the morning. We're at the front door of the hotel restaurant before the staff arrives. The cook thinks that we really love his food.
We have been leaning on my cousin and his new family for food. Yo, Nigerians know how to feed a brother. My cousin's wife (married 9/15/07 ! - That's another post) is a British raised Nigerian. We made sure we saw them every day. They went on their honeymoon to Hong Kong today and the Wifey and I missed them sorely (my stomach still hurts). We hung with her family as much as we could and could count on a full dinner for about four nights. We have also made it our business to help my cousin in preparing for his wedding day. One of his new in laws whispered "Those Americans need to hold a sign saying "Will work for food." She didn't think I heard her, but.....well......yeah.....duh..pass the curried goat and shut up......
I have to comment on the McDonalds here in London. Here is London's Ronald............ I always thought that he had an afro. Yo, the McDonald's has an internet cafe section with lounge seats, darkened lights, free wi-fi, and you can rent time on the restaurant's desk-tops when you purchase your food. One in particular had ample small seats on the main floor and 100 or more seats below in the lounge. Club Big-Mac is gotta' be coming soon. When it happens I'm gonna' be the first to say "Told Y'all".
N-Word Royalty
From Seko:
Now, I've listened to a lot of recordings which included the word recently buried by the NAACP. My grand-parents and parent's generation used it hatefully and embracingly (to later blame it's popularization on Hip-Hop). I've beat up folk for using the term towards me (It didn't matter who called me that, it was a problem..... Daddy didn't raise no N-Words and Mummy didn't love no N-Words). I've been upset with my elders for using the term in front of and when describing my kids. I have spoken for years of the differences between so-called Black people and N-Words......
So..... Wifey wants to see the famous controversial play Emperor Jones in London. Great ! I didn't expect to hear more N-Words than visiting a group for hyper-tourettes diseased Klansman. I guess I'm getting a little older and wiser. As we left the theatre I met eyes with other soul-folk family members who seemed a little bothered and at least a thousand Caucasian family members who were laughing, smiling, and applauding the (truthfully excellent) performance. I can't down the playwright. I can't down the play, which reminded me of a Afrikan version of Scrooge's X-Mass story as the main character is plagued by visions which seem like ghosts. Yet I felt like sayin' "Mother-F'er stop ! You gonna' F it up for all of us." Word.
I think it just happened on the wrong day. Wifey and I had visited the House of Parliament's exhibition on the Abolition of African-enslavement in British territories as well as a exhibit in the National Museum on the history of the British impact on African-enslavement and the movement to stop what the Brits' begun. My mum (mom) used to tell me she couldn't get past the cuss'(curse) words in some of the music I listened to, therefore wasn't able to appreciate the creativity. Dad used to tell me that he didn't want to listen to anything that cussed (cursed) him out. I think I'm turning into my parents. Word. Funny thing is, I know I'll be "bumpin' my (revolutionary) music" whenever my kids aren't around; N-Words and all. I know, however, that I'm not going to enjoy some songs the way I used too. It's interesting what we can accept when it's presented in a format we enjoy. Quick, tell ya' partner "Raise your standards, I'm raising mine."
Now, I've listened to a lot of recordings which included the word recently buried by the NAACP. My grand-parents and parent's generation used it hatefully and embracingly (to later blame it's popularization on Hip-Hop). I've beat up folk for using the term towards me (It didn't matter who called me that, it was a problem..... Daddy didn't raise no N-Words and Mummy didn't love no N-Words). I've been upset with my elders for using the term in front of and when describing my kids. I have spoken for years of the differences between so-called Black people and N-Words......
So..... Wifey wants to see the famous controversial play Emperor Jones in London. Great ! I didn't expect to hear more N-Words than visiting a group for hyper-tourettes diseased Klansman. I guess I'm getting a little older and wiser. As we left the theatre I met eyes with other soul-folk family members who seemed a little bothered and at least a thousand Caucasian family members who were laughing, smiling, and applauding the (truthfully excellent) performance. I can't down the playwright. I can't down the play, which reminded me of a Afrikan version of Scrooge's X-Mass story as the main character is plagued by visions which seem like ghosts. Yet I felt like sayin' "Mother-F'er stop ! You gonna' F it up for all of us." Word.
I think it just happened on the wrong day. Wifey and I had visited the House of Parliament's exhibition on the Abolition of African-enslavement in British territories as well as a exhibit in the National Museum on the history of the British impact on African-enslavement and the movement to stop what the Brits' begun. My mum (mom) used to tell me she couldn't get past the cuss'(curse) words in some of the music I listened to, therefore wasn't able to appreciate the creativity. Dad used to tell me that he didn't want to listen to anything that cussed (cursed) him out. I think I'm turning into my parents. Word. Funny thing is, I know I'll be "bumpin' my (revolutionary) music" whenever my kids aren't around; N-Words and all. I know, however, that I'm not going to enjoy some songs the way I used too. It's interesting what we can accept when it's presented in a format we enjoy. Quick, tell ya' partner "Raise your standards, I'm raising mine."
Sunday, September 16, 2007
Late comes early
From Rhonda:We're back. We could not post yesterday because the day was far too long. I thought there were only 24 hours in a day......but since we left home there have only been extended days. Yesterday morning we got up and went off to breakfast. We found that we are only a block from a mall. Not much was open and we needed to get going since the wedding was at one and we would have at least an hour ride to get there. Not only that but we still had to work on making the broom for Carol and Sean to jump. The night before, after a long hard day of working on the hall for the reception, we went to Nkem's and Sean's to get material to decorate the broom handle and broom straws. Again we did not see our hotel until after 1 am. Since everything in London is priced (in lbs) but the dollar is only half the value, we could not find anything to add to the broom. Seko wanted to get a shave (those were 10 lbs at the local shop). Once you do the math, its about $20. He could forget it. We are, after all Broke in Britain. We headed back and by the time we finished the broom were only an hour from the wedding time. This meant, as usual, we were late.
Finally dressed, we headed to the Queensway station where we get on the Tube to go to the receptions site.
(Drum roll please).
It was closed!!!!!!!!!
We had to walk two blocks back to the other station which meant we had to choose another route. On we hopped. Hope never dies. I thought maybe the wedding would be a few minutes late. We ended up not only having to change underground trains once, but once on the surface (above ground) train we had to make another change to get to Elverson Road.
Here's the other trigger- we don't have walking directions from the train station.
Once off the train, we are about an hour and a piece late. By now we are trying to get to the church before everyone leaves for the reception. At least we'll be there. I was so upset that the bride and groom could not jump the very broom we spent part of the night and half the morning creating.
All the way to London just to miss the wedding. I could just sit on the curb and cry.
Once off the train we can hear the church bells ringing and see the steeple off in the distance. With the bells ringing we pick up the pace and rely on a mother pushing a pram and a woman walking passed to provide directions. Now we are hot, late, and rushing uphill to get to the church before everyone is gone.
There it is just up ahead. Someone must be leaving.......she's opened her van door.
We spot on of Carol's friends and Seko asks her for a ride to the reception. She agrees but has one stipulation.......
She is leaving right after they say "I do". You guessed it. The wedding had not begun. The bride was not even at the church. God was looking out for a couple of notoriously late folks. How often does someone arrive an hour and a half late for a wedding and still see the whole thing. Not only were we an hour and a half late....we were a hour and a half early. Confused?
The bride did not get to the church and the wedding start for an hour and a half after we got there. Seko's Aunts and Uncle had been at the church since 12:30pm. This 1:00pm wedding started at 4:00pm. Another 2 hours and the Rev could not have preformed the ceremony.
She has to stop preforming weddings by 6:00pm according to the laws of the Church of England. Whew, that was close.All in all... it was worth the wait. Sean smiled so hard we could have counted each of his teeth. Carol was beautiful in an overlayed dress that fit her and her personality wonderfully. Best of all the broom has been jumped, the Laws and Customs performed and the registry signed.
We have a new Varner Girl. Welcome to the club Carol!!!! (Photo of Carol & Sean signing the wedding document during the Church of England ceremony. Below: Photo of the wedding document.)
Friday, September 14, 2007
A Hunting We Will Go
Where's Elmer Fudd when you need him. Here in London they don't have to worry about raccoons rumblng through their trash. No, not at all. But last night Elmer Fudd could have switched from hunting rabbits and taken his turn at foxes. Not foxy ladies....real, live foxes!!! These things run through the street at night like stray pets. I could not believe we saw 3-4 last night. They have become experts at crossing the street. They know when to look left and when to look right (Unlike the two of us who have to keep each other from getting run over). Needless to say, we will be back in the hotel room before I have a close encounter of the pass out kind.
Blogging again soon,
Real Broke in Britain, Donations Accepted:)
Blogging again soon,
Real Broke in Britain, Donations Accepted:)
Eyes Opening
From Rhonda:
Tally ho!! or something like that. What an experience this has been. We have been in Britain for a full day or so I think. That jet lag is hitting me or maybe it was that long night with the new family. Carol and Sean had there Laws and Customs ceremony last night. In true American fashion, I only needed this to take about 2 hours but in African fashion we did not leave the house until @100am. Lucky for us Carols bridesmaid N'Kem(cool girl) drove us back to the hotel to save us the 50 lb fair. You got it, we would have paid 100.00 dollars to get back to the hotel. Somehow God always has us in his favor. We would have been Broke in Britain's right now. It was so interesting to meet Carol's sister and two brothers. They have such similarities.
This experience makes me wonder how America is the "Super" power. Our approach is so America focused that it is an eye opener to see that we are partners in a World. In just this short time we have seen people from all corners of the world. There have been Nigerians, Jamaicans, Asians, French and Italian people everywhere. It's like going to New York. I used to think that Americans smoked too much. Now, if you were to ask me I'd say the entire world smokes to much. If I counted everyone I've seen smoking, I'd earn a degree in counting. No wonder there's smog, some say its from exhausts but I think it's mainly cigarette smoke.
Well we'll see what today brings. After a long jet leg nap we are on to the Tube to see what we can see.
Tally ho!! or something like that. What an experience this has been. We have been in Britain for a full day or so I think. That jet lag is hitting me or maybe it was that long night with the new family. Carol and Sean had there Laws and Customs ceremony last night. In true American fashion, I only needed this to take about 2 hours but in African fashion we did not leave the house until @100am. Lucky for us Carols bridesmaid N'Kem(cool girl) drove us back to the hotel to save us the 50 lb fair. You got it, we would have paid 100.00 dollars to get back to the hotel. Somehow God always has us in his favor. We would have been Broke in Britain's right now. It was so interesting to meet Carol's sister and two brothers. They have such similarities.
This experience makes me wonder how America is the "Super" power. Our approach is so America focused that it is an eye opener to see that we are partners in a World. In just this short time we have seen people from all corners of the world. There have been Nigerians, Jamaicans, Asians, French and Italian people everywhere. It's like going to New York. I used to think that Americans smoked too much. Now, if you were to ask me I'd say the entire world smokes to much. If I counted everyone I've seen smoking, I'd earn a degree in counting. No wonder there's smog, some say its from exhausts but I think it's mainly cigarette smoke.
Well we'll see what today brings. After a long jet leg nap we are on to the Tube to see what we can see.
Thursday, September 13, 2007
Old School with the New School
From Seko:
London is old. Everything seems to be an old frame with new insides. In America I see a lot of older buildings being demolished. London really seems against demolition. In this train station I saw rust older than me. Quick, tell ya' partner "I'm gonna' upgrade you."
No love for the big girls!
From Seko:Dude, everything in London is small. My big-girls will have problems here. I had to stick one of my legs out of the shower to wash the opposing leg (I'm not a big dude). This is a three star hotel........... The room becomes crowded when I put up the ironing board. Love to my big-girls cause' London don't love you. More bounce to the ounce, gettin' down for the pounds ! At the airport two of our "old-star-jones-sistahs" had to walk sideways to enter the restroom. One emerged back into the hallway later visibly upset as she (the more vuluptous girl) screamed "Can't get in the small stall." as she was doing the
'gotta-pee dance'.Boy, the trip over here was interesting. You could count the soul-folk with your digits and have change. Then we got off the plane in London at the same time as Nigerian-Aire, Jamican-Aire, and Liberian Airways. Talk about Soul. My folk were speaking patois, french, some languages I couldn't recognize, Spanish, and the East-Indian dialects. It was a real global eye-opener. Then the wifey and I turned right when the crowd turned left and the Europe of old became the cultural standard. Quick, tell ya' partner "Soul to the left."
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
Murphy's Law
From Seko:
Here it goes. Wifey is waking up early almost singing "We're going to London !" and decides to do a last minute check on our passports ! Her passport is correct as it was when she checked it last time. My passport, which I was supposed to check, has my gender listed as female.......... I may need to "dress-up" to get on the plane. Soooooo, one look at my wonderful masculinity will demonstrate that I'm not a female. No, I've never been a female.... No, I don't want to be a female....... Sooooooooo, we called the passport office and they notify me that I'll need to go to Washington D.C. to obtain a new passport if I want to avoid any problems. That's three hours up, an hour or so to try to handle the problem, and three hours (with zero traffic) back home...... Translation: Not by the manly hairs of my 'chinny, chin, chin' will this problem get fixed. I guess customs is going to give me a fit. I may end up stuck somewhere.......... Another problem I may have prevented by doing my due-diligence. I guess it could be worse. Quick, tell ya' partner "It could be worse!"
Here it goes. Wifey is waking up early almost singing "We're going to London !" and decides to do a last minute check on our passports ! Her passport is correct as it was when she checked it last time. My passport, which I was supposed to check, has my gender listed as female.......... I may need to "dress-up" to get on the plane. Soooooo, one look at my wonderful masculinity will demonstrate that I'm not a female. No, I've never been a female.... No, I don't want to be a female....... Sooooooooo, we called the passport office and they notify me that I'll need to go to Washington D.C. to obtain a new passport if I want to avoid any problems. That's three hours up, an hour or so to try to handle the problem, and three hours (with zero traffic) back home...... Translation: Not by the manly hairs of my 'chinny, chin, chin' will this problem get fixed. I guess customs is going to give me a fit. I may end up stuck somewhere.......... Another problem I may have prevented by doing my due-diligence. I guess it could be worse. Quick, tell ya' partner "It could be worse!"
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
One Mo' Day !
From Seko:
One day away. I'm a bit worried now. I have the tendency to ignore the importance of somethings until the weight is upon me. The honey-to-do (i.e. you betta' do this or else I'll be to bothered to be in a good mood) list has been ignored and now I'll have to do everything tommorow. Here is the skinny: We leave to England. We arrive on Thursday just in time for a Nigerian wedding ritual, we hang out and see the sites on Friday, the ceremony is on Saturday, and then we roam Europe until Thursday morning. I'll miss time away from 'semi-work' and I won't be able to fully support my real-estate clients. We're going to be "Broke in Britan & Back Home." I've been broke before, I'm glad I've learned how to go from broke to blessed. I'll need that skill when I return. Quick, tell ya' partner: "It's time to go from broke to blessed."
One day away. I'm a bit worried now. I have the tendency to ignore the importance of somethings until the weight is upon me. The honey-to-do (i.e. you betta' do this or else I'll be to bothered to be in a good mood) list has been ignored and now I'll have to do everything tommorow. Here is the skinny: We leave to England. We arrive on Thursday just in time for a Nigerian wedding ritual, we hang out and see the sites on Friday, the ceremony is on Saturday, and then we roam Europe until Thursday morning. I'll miss time away from 'semi-work' and I won't be able to fully support my real-estate clients. We're going to be "Broke in Britan & Back Home." I've been broke before, I'm glad I've learned how to go from broke to blessed. I'll need that skill when I return. Quick, tell ya' partner: "It's time to go from broke to blessed."
Monday, September 10, 2007
Two days left !
From Seko:
WHOA. Rhonda is talking bout' the trip all the time. I love hearing her voice and excitement. It's almost like hearing big Os. Ear candy ! I'm tripping as I have sooooooo much to do before we leave and that moment of realization hits......I'm not gonna' get it all done......Mannn. We leave in two days and my wife has found a catalogue of things for us to do that do not involve admissions and such. She has also found a crew of sights that involve my passion, studying the sites and events that have effected people of Afrikan descent. I didn't realize how much has occured in London involving Blacks. We are a global people.
We're going to Europe as my cousin Sean is marrying a British girl of a Nigerian family. I began calling her a 'Britgerian' and the term has stuck ! On Thursday 9/13/07 we will participate in a Nigerian ritual preceeding the wedding ceremony. I can't wait. Stay tuned true believers, Wifey and I are going to share with you all of the trip except for the 'life-making'. Quick - tell ya' partner "we're not making love...we're making life" (thanks KRS-1 for da' line.)
WHOA. Rhonda is talking bout' the trip all the time. I love hearing her voice and excitement. It's almost like hearing big Os. Ear candy ! I'm tripping as I have sooooooo much to do before we leave and that moment of realization hits......I'm not gonna' get it all done......Mannn. We leave in two days and my wife has found a catalogue of things for us to do that do not involve admissions and such. She has also found a crew of sights that involve my passion, studying the sites and events that have effected people of Afrikan descent. I didn't realize how much has occured in London involving Blacks. We are a global people.
We're going to Europe as my cousin Sean is marrying a British girl of a Nigerian family. I began calling her a 'Britgerian' and the term has stuck ! On Thursday 9/13/07 we will participate in a Nigerian ritual preceeding the wedding ceremony. I can't wait. Stay tuned true believers, Wifey and I are going to share with you all of the trip except for the 'life-making'. Quick - tell ya' partner "we're not making love...we're making life" (thanks KRS-1 for da' line.)
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